This is the second of a three part series Brenda wrote in the fall of 2017.
The evening news is strangely quiet about the monumental hurricane relief effort underway in the south, as well as the Caribbean Islands. The tragedy of the hurricane damage is now old news. Sadly, there are new tragedies for the news teams to spotlight.
The TV coverage is over, but the heartache and loss of broken lives continues, and often multiplies.
As God’s people, where are we now?
This is not about guilt. It is about being a gift. Seizing the opportunity to “not forget the forgotten.”
When tragedy strikes, people rise up. We act. Give. Support.
But then – hours turn into days, and weeks turn into months and years.
Many of us live far away. What are we to do? What ARE we to do?
- Ask Jesus, “Jesus what would you have me do?”
- Listen, obey, act. Don’t hesitate, neglect, or detour.
- Then – live free of guilt. Avoid “survivors’ guilt” – which can be real and life-draining. We cannot do everything, but we can do something. The Holy Spirit will lead the way, but we need to ask. His answer may be GO or Do, STAY and PRAY. or it might be WAIT – wait for YOUR marching orders.
Who has God laid on your heart?
- Known friends or unknown strangers who have lost everything?
- Victims of violent gunfire?
- A neighbor who lost her mother?
- A friend who lost his job?
Are we willing, if Jesus calls, to enter into the Messy Middle?
So many wounded, broken people feel forgotten as days turn into weeks, months, and years.
Being REMEMBERED, moves mountains. It validates our ache and loss. It reminds us that we are not alone.
As you ASK Jesus and LISTEN well, be open. He may surprise you with what He wants you to do.
- Write a letter. Write more than one.
- Provide financial support over the long haul.
- Be the hands and feet of Jesus. For some it means walking across the street. For others, it means driving through four states. If Jesus says go, GO.
- Pray . . . like really, really pray.
- Start a care campaign. Set into motion your family or your church ADOPTING a family, a church or a community in need and creatively “remembering” the people of that place.
God is big.
Listen well.
This post is part two of a three-part series:
After the Hurricane Hits – part one
I appreciate this post. Unfortunately I am on the side of needing someone to act- one year plus past my husbands brain injury. I appreciate those who do make contacts and keep in touch as they can. I just need more and I don’t even know what- so whoever can add me at the end of a prayer, please do
Oh Deb, Ache upon ache.
Alone-ness and isolation in the messy middle is dangerous territory for our soul as fatigue becomes chronic an buckets are bone dry.
Praying for you!
Will be in touch.
Being in the midst of my own “hurricanes”, some things I find. People want to help, but I don’t always know what help I need. People want to help, but I don’t always receive humbly and with thanks. People want to help, but I don’t always want their help. It truly is a messy middle. It takes God leading us, for us to help. It takes God leading us, to give a hug. It takes God leading us, for us to be willing to receive help. Truly a messy middle. It takes God leading us to go, do, receive. Prayer is needed, but sometimes we need Jesus with skin on. Thank you, Brenda, for the reminder.